Hi, I'm James Alton, an award-winning director and producer with over a decade of experience. I've had the pleasure of creating visually striking, emotionally resonant content across film, commercial, and branded formats. I thrive on developing narratives that connect with both national broadcasters and regional sports audiences, combining media strategy with community engagement. I love spearheading projects from concept to distribution, leading talented teams to deliver impactful stories. Whether I'm working with global media giants or local sports leagues, I bring passion and precision to every production. When I'm not behind the camera, I enjoy giving back to the filmmaking community and fostering indie film growth.

James Alton

Hi, I'm James Alton, an award-winning director and producer with over a decade of experience. I've had the pleasure of creating visually striking, emotionally resonant content across film, commercial, and branded formats. I thrive on developing narratives that connect with both national broadcasters and regional sports audiences, combining media strategy with community engagement. I love spearheading projects from concept to distribution, leading talented teams to deliver impactful stories. Whether I'm working with global media giants or local sports leagues, I bring passion and precision to every production. When I'm not behind the camera, I enjoy giving back to the filmmaking community and fostering indie film growth.

Available to hire

Hi, I’m James Alton, an award-winning director and producer with over a decade of experience. I’ve had the pleasure of creating visually striking, emotionally resonant content across film, commercial, and branded formats. I thrive on developing narratives that connect with both national broadcasters and regional sports audiences, combining media strategy with community engagement.

I love spearheading projects from concept to distribution, leading talented teams to deliver impactful stories. Whether I’m working with global media giants or local sports leagues, I bring passion and precision to every production. When I’m not behind the camera, I enjoy giving back to the filmmaking community and fostering indie film growth.

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Work Experience

Owner at Kelowna Film Studios
January 1, 2022 - June 4, 2024
Lead producer and director overseeing high-end commercial, branded, and narrative film productions for clients ranging from global media companies to local sports organizations. Personally directed and produced campaigns for Netflix, Disney/ABC, Amazon Studios, Rogers Sportsnet, Carey Price, Brantt Myhers, and the Kelowna and Saskatchewan Ball Hockey Leagues. Managed all phases of production while building strong community and industry relationships across broadcast, digital, and in-person activations.
Owner at James Alton Films
January 1, 2020 - June 4, 2024
Directed and produced award-winning films like Mabel and Because She's Adopted. Managed entire production cycles from concept to distribution, leading teams of creatives and technicians. Work garnered multiple awards, including Best Director at the Toronto and Calgary Independent Film Festivals, known for delivering impactful narratives with precision.
Creative Director at Strawhouse
January 1, 2019 - December 31, 2019
Spearheaded R&D projects as Creative Director at Strawhouse Inc., targeting American audiences. Created brands from scratch and oversaw art direction, photography, videography, and content production. Managed multiple digital and traditional marketing properties, contributing to Strawhouse being recognized as one of Canada's fastest-growing companies.
Owner at James Alton Visuals
January 1, 2015 - December 31, 2018
Completed creative projects for clients like Canopy Health Innovations, Cossette Toronto, Mazda, Toyota, SunRype, Republic Live, and Destiny Cannabis. Managed end-to-end production of commercials, digital ads, and YouTube series, ensuring high client satisfaction and the successful delivery of marketing campaigns.
Production Manager at Hockey Community
January 1, 2014 - December 31, 2015
Managed the development and launch of a hockey app/website platform aimed at increasing accessibility to the sport. Led project management, UX design, and communications strategy, including outreach to local teams and media. Delivered product training, supported client relations, and helped grow engagement through storytelling, branding, and press initiatives focused on grassroots hockey culture.
Technical Director at BrandHealth
January 1, 2012 - December 31, 2013
Oversaw development of consumer and B2B iPad apps, websites, and touchscreen displays. Acted as a liaison between design and programming departments, managing client relations. Generated $2M in revenue within 18 months, leading the successful release of over 50 iPad apps using HTML5 and PhoneGap technology.
Owner at Kelowna Film Studios
January 1, 2022 - June 7, 2024
Lead producer and director overseeing high-end commercial, branded, and narrative film productions for clients ranging from global media companies to local sports organizations. Personally directed and produced campaigns for Netflix, Disney/ABC, Amazon Studios, Rogers Sportsnet, Carey Price, Brantt Myhers, and the Kelowna and Saskatchewan Ball Hockey Leagues. Managed all phases of production while building strong community and industry relationships across broadcast, digital, and in-person activations.
Owner at James Alton Films
January 1, 2020 - January 1, 2024
Directed and produced award-winning films like Mabel and Because She’s Adopted. Managed entire production cycles from concept to distribution, leading teams of creatives and technicians. Work garnered multiple awards, including Best Director at the Toronto and Calgary Independent Film Festivals, known for delivering impactful narratives with precision.
Creative Director at Strawhouse
January 1, 2019 - December 31, 2019
Spearheaded R&D projects as Creative Director at Strawhouse Inc., targeting American audiences. Created brands from scratch and oversaw art direction, photography, videography, and content production. Managed multiple digital and traditional marketing properties, contributing to Strawhouse being recognized as one of Canada’s fastest-growing companies.
Owner at James Alton Visuals
January 1, 2015 - December 31, 2018
Completed creative projects for clients like Canopy Health Innovations, Cossette Toronto, Mazda, Toyota, SunRype, Republic Live, and Destiny Cannabis. Managed end-to-end production of commercials, digital ads, and YouTube series, ensuring high client satisfaction and the successful delivery of marketing campaigns.
Production Manager at Hockey Community
January 1, 2014 - December 31, 2015
Managed the development and launch of a hockey app/website platform at Hockey Community, aimed at increasing accessibility to the sport. Led project management, UX design, and communications strategy, including outreach to local teams and media. Delivered product training, supported client relations, and helped grow engagement through storytelling, branding, and press initiatives focused on grassroots hockey culture.
Technical Director at BrandHealth
January 1, 2012 - December 31, 2013
Oversaw development of consumer and B2B iPad apps, websites, and touchscreen displays as Technical Director at BrandHealth. Acted as a liaison between design and programming departments, managing client relations. Generated $2M in revenue within 18 months, leading the successful release of over 50 iPad apps using HTML5 and PhoneGap technology.

Education

Computer Science at Trent University
January 1, 2009 - December 31, 2012
Web Development at Durham College
January 1, 2005 - December 31, 2007
Computer Science at Trent University
January 1, 2009 - December 31, 2012
Web Development at Durham College
January 1, 2005 - December 31, 2007

Qualifications

Banff World Media Festival
January 1, 2024 - December 31, 2024
Okanagan TV/Film Forum
January 1, 2024 - December 31, 2024
CMPA Prime Time
January 1, 2024 - December 31, 2024
Creative BC Funding Announcement
January 1, 2023 - December 31, 2023
Learn About Film
January 1, 2023 - December 31, 2023
"Take Two" Okanagan Film Commission
January 1, 2023 - December 31, 2023
FITC (Design & Technology Festival)
January 1, 2012 - December 31, 2013
CUSEC (Software Engineering Conference)
January 1, 2012 - December 31, 2013

Industry Experience

Media & Entertainment, Software & Internet, Professional Services, Non-Profit Organization